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Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Bitter Truth

India has gigantic workforce of 672 million people. With twelve million workers joining every year, country boast of world’s largest number of young employees.Workforce productivity in India is a big question mark. Poor health, frequent illness and large population falling victim to lethal modern day scourge – non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have posed a serious threat today. And as India ages, this burden can become even heavier.

Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes form the bulk of NCDs.

In India, chilling 60% of death is attributed to NCDs. 40% of all hospital stays and 35% of all recorded outpatient visits are due to NCDs. Probability of death from NCDs during the most productive age i.e. 30-65 is as high as 26%.

India spends a meager 1.86% of GDP on healthcare, and bulk of that is spent on communicable diseases. Hence, the burden of managing the menace of NCDs falls on employer. Private & public sectors have to work in tandem with civil society, medical fraternity, health insurance companies and wellness organizations to tackle this emerging menace. India Inc. has too much at stake. It stands to lose staggering $4.5 trillion before 2030. This figure is 50% of their revenue.

Potential victims (you and me) have to participate actively in primary prevention, early screening process, and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, as promoted by our employer, society and public health authorities.

The last mile connectivity to win this battle over NCDs is solely dependent on people. We have to adopt this change to save our families, to prevent breakdown of our economy and finally to enjoy this beautiful life given by nature.

GetActive is a humble attempt in that direction. Join the GetActive program, a step towards an active & a happy world.